Summer Soiree
#JustANormalMondayNight: Jaws were dropping as guests entered the home of Cindy and Murry Gerber on Aug. 7 for a private event to support The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The majestic hallway flowed out into a stunning landscaped garden, complete with a built-in pool and massive fireplace. “I have to get at least my feet wet,” laughed Melanie Crockard, who dipped her toes in. “It’s perfect,” she mused, and why would it be anything less? The sprawling estate perched atop a hillside in Fox Chapel was the perfect backdrop for the Summer Soiree, an event that thanked high-level donors for their unwavering support of the Cultural Trust. “Oh, look, it’s the man of the hour,” said Cultural Trust CEO Kevin McMahon, as he went to shake Richard Rauh’s hand. Mr. Rauh, who has been a champion for Pittsburgh’s theater scene throughout the years, recently bequeathed $1 million for the Richard E. Rauh Studio Theater in the basement of the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland. Needless to say, he was shaking a lot of hands throughout the night. As guests enjoyed a strolling supper courtesy of All in Good Taste Productions, I caught up with the Gerbers to chat about why they decided to host the event. “We wanted people to let their hair down and enjoy a more intimate setting,” said Mrs. Gerber. Added Mr. Gerber, “We love what the Cultural Trust brings to the community and we want to encourage others to give back.”
#Songbird: Guests settled into their seats for a special performance by Tonynominated Broadway performer Jennifer Damiano. She enchanted the crowd with a half-hour cabaret show, singing everything from Gershwin to Paul McCartney. There was a raw, delicate quality to her performance, at times singing no louder than a whisper. Guests moved toward the edge of their seats as if they were hoping to catch hold of notes as they floated away from her. She ended with a sweet, wistful performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” before disappearing as the sun set over the hillside.
#SEENAmong100Guests: Steve and Peggy McKnight, Tim McVay and David Bush, Catherine Loevner, Jason Kollar, Katie Maier, Terri Sokoloff, Dr. Loren and Ellen Roth, Amy Morgan, Cate Linn, John and Judy Woffington, Mark and Chris Popovich, and #SEENBestDressed: Dr.Inna Vaisleib.